Exorista rustica

Exorista rustica

Description

This tachinid fly has the characteristic hairy abdomen, and a wide, black, central dorsal line.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

They are often seen sunning themselves or scurrying around on foliage, hunting for their hosts.

When to see it

The adult flies from late June to late September.

Life History

It is parasitic and lays eggs on the larvae of sawflies.

UK Status

Common and widespread in much of England and Wales.

VC55 Status

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records